Illinois State Police Arrest Suspect that Drove into Trooper’s Squad Car

For Immediate Release – September 22, 2020

Parkersburg, IL – On September 22, at approximately 8:38 a.m., a District 19 Trooper initiated a traffic stop with a Truck Tractor Semi Trailer (TTST) combination vehicle on Illinois Route 130 near West Street, in Parkersburg IL, Richland County. The location of the stop was near the ISP District 19/12 border and occurred in District 12. The TTST was stopped along the roadway during enforcement action. The Trooper pulled into an empty private lot, with emergency lights activated, to complete enforcement. At approximately 9:45 a.m., the owner of the private lot drove his 2005 White Chevrolet SUV into the front of the Trooper’s police vehicle. The Trooper was seated inside his police vehicle at the time of the crash but was thankfully uninjured. The driver of the SUV, Verlin Cokley 76 year old male from Parkersburg, IL, was uninjured.

Following the incident an investigation ensued and Cokley was charged with Aggravated Assault, Reckless Driving and Criminal Damage to State Supported Property. Cokley was transported to the Richland County Jail pending posting of bond. This investigation is still active and no further information is available at this time.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

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